• HOME
• ABOUT US
• SHOWS
• MEMBERSHIP
• CONTACT US

NODA Magazine (Spring 2010)

"The stars shine in Macclesfield"

MACCLESFIELD Majestic Theatre Group have much to boast about and I can only agree with them.

I often say to people. you never know who is In the audience, give it your' all' -and boy has it paid off for Michael Daws.

Michael Daws, whose home Society is MMTG. moved down to London at the end of March so that he could appear in the West End Andrew Lloyd-Webber production of Love Never Dies
He makes his West End debut at the end of April as part of the Ensemble as well as being second understudy to the part of Raoul. Michael Will then take over as first understudy later in the year.

Michael was spotted, In 2009, by a representative of the Really Useful Group owned by Andrew L1oya-Webber, when he appeared in the North West Premiere of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's show, The Likes Of Us for Knutsford Amateur Operatic Society.

As a result, Michael was contacted by R.U.G. and was asked to perform for them and then he undertook six auditions for a role in the new Lloyd-Webber production of Love Never Dies, the sequel to "Phantom of the Opera".

Since the beginning of this year he has been receiving vocal coaching from The Really Useful Group, which he has found incredibly helpful.

His stage name is to be Mason Michels, and during April starts rehearsals as part of the ensemble, on occasions understudying Raoul.

Michael has been a member of MMTG since his teens.

In October 2009, he starred as Tony in Copacabana. He has.also played principal roles for Alderley and Wilmslow Amateur Operatic SOCiety, SCAMPS in Wilmslow. East Cheshire Operatic, Sale and Altrincham Operatic, Trafford Margaretians, South Trafford Operatic. First Stage Theatre Company. Chester Operatic Society and Centre State Youth Theatre.

Michael is also a talented producer. His 2009 pantomime for MMTG "The Little Mermaid" has been nominated for Best Panto at the NOOA Annual Awards, which will be held in Blackpool in May 2010.

Michael said. "I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to go straight from amateur to the West End, and be working in an Andrew Lloyd-Webber show. One could say 'right place time'"

MMTG's other successful 'gem' is Gemma Moss, stage name Gemma Sutton.

Gemma joined MMTG at the age of seven when she was one of the children in King and I, and performed many times in principal roles not only in shows but in their annual pantomime.

She also. like Michael. appeared for SCAMPS and Alderley and Wilmslow A.O.S.

When she was sixteen she applied to the national touring auditions for the part of the daughter Sophie In Mamma Mia to gain experience.

She was recalled to London and eventually made it down to the last 12.

One year later she was asked to try again and this time She made it down to the last two.
There was a split in the casting directors and they finally decided it would be better if she finished her A-levels and suggested she try for Arts-Ed in Chiswick.

Gemma was accepted at the college and on graduation appeared in the Regents Park Open Air Theatre.

She then played the part of Scarlet 0' Hara' s sister in Trevor Nunn's production of Gone With the Wind in the West End.

Next came another West End production. that of "Imagine This", where she was a character in the ensemble as well as understudying the lead female role - sadly the Show only had a short run. but as a result of the lead developing a kidney infection, Gemma did in fact go on to play the lead for several performances during the final week.

Currently, Gemma is playing Laurie in the 30 City touring verSion of Oklahoma along With Marti Webb as Aunt Ella The tour is in Manchester in October.

She has told members of MMTG that it is like a dream part, enabling her to use all of her singing, acting and dancing skills. Long may her success continue.

Steve Helliwell is yet another success story for MMTG.

Having studied at East 15 he went on to graduate and appear in many West End plays.

Recently he has been accepted as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

We wait with baited breath to hear how his story unfolds. The final member of MMTG to
'tread the boards' is Jonny Bowers who has gone on to perform in professional pantomime and is currently building up his portfolio. which includes some television acting.

What a fantastic outcome for MMTG to have helped pave the way for these young stars of the future.

I hope you will wish them well along with me and look out for them in your travels.It is clear to me that we have to encourage and guide our young people, they are our future and without them. where will amateur theatre be?

Congratulations to you all, I am so proud to have known you and I wish you all continued success in all that you do.

Remember. you never ever know who may be sat in the audience watching you!

Sheryl Haydock-Howorth